As the year draws to a close, the plans for celebrations are shaping up. To carouse into the joyous vibe of the year ending, celebrate Christmas in Goa. The former Portuguese colony has over 400 churches and convents, big and small, making Christmas celebrations in Goa full of festive cheer. From Christmas till New Year’s Eve, Goa immerses in partying spirit, vibrant parades, special events and more. If you are unsure how and where to be, don’t worry. Here’s a list of things to do in Goa during Christmas.
Things to Do In Goa During Christmas
Roam Around Illuminated Streets
Right in time for Christmas, the lanes and streets get decked in fairy lights, lanterns, colourful displays and everything that denotes celebrations. Walking through the Goan lanes in the evening is like being part of a carnival with so many dazzling lights and luminations everywhere. It imbibes a celebratory spirit marking the arrival and joy of Christmas in Goa.
Attend Christmas Parade In Goa
During the festival, several enthusiastic locals take out small parades across the neighbourhood. People adorn colourful dresses, some make floats, others bring along sweets and cakes and cheers of Merry Christmas echo around. If you are visiting Goa with kids, you might spot a Santa Claus figure among the parades too. The festive spirit with all things Christmassy truly takes over.
Pray at The Midnight Mass
One of the best things to do at Christmas in Goa is to immerse in the traditional celebrations by attending the midnight mass at any of the historic churches. Within these ancient, high-ceiling structures, the prayers echo and a calmness fills the air. The Basilica of Bom Jesus and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church are fully decked for the birth of Jesus Christ.
Savour On Traditional Christmas Sweets
Festive celebrations are incomplete without sweets. During Christmas in Goa, locals prepare special sweet treats and distribute them among friends, neighbours and even tourists, if you make friends with some.
The bakeries in Goa are also packed with special rum cakes and flaky pastries prepared this time of the year. Some must-try sweets include Bebinca, Dodol, Neuros and homemade cakes.
Enjoy Beach Parties in Goa
A trip to Goa is never complete without hitting the beaches, especially during the New Year. The beach parties here are a big draw, with hotspots like Anjuna, Vagator, Baga, and Arambol buzzing with energy. Whether you’re in the mood to sip on a few drinks, soak in the lively atmosphere, or dance the night away, the liveliness brought in by tourists from Christmas in Goa makes the nightlife even more fun.
If you prefer to have your private party, you can book a pool villa in Goa near the beach. Check out Lohono Stays for exclusive luxury villas where you can have your party setups under the open skies.
Go On a Sunset Cruise
A sunset cruise across the Mandovi River is a serene way of exploring the lights and festive decorations for Christmas in Goa. These cruises have local song and dance shows where you can join along, and enjoy the cheerful culture. While you can marvel at the sunset canvas on one side, you can watch the Panaji city all beautifully illuminated for the festivals on the other.
Take Part in Local Traditions
If you extend your Christmas holiday in Goa until the new year, you can be a part of the local traditions to welcome the upcoming year. Every year, locals make an effigy of an old man by stuffing old clothes and hay. This effigy is then burnt as a mark of bidding goodbye to the year gone by. Within a group of locals, sharing tales and singing songs, this feels like a good way to bond, learn and celebrate something new.
Relish a Christmas Feast in Goa
One of the things to do in Goa during Christmas is relish a good feast. The festive spread is a delightful mix of traditional Goan dishes and global favourites, with mouthwatering treats like stuffed chicken, tangy pork sorpotel, creamy mac and cheese, freshly baked cakes, and a selection of red wines. From crispy bites to sweet indulgences, each dish is a celebration, making this a culinary experience to remember.
If you stay at our private villas in Goa, you can enjoy a feast-like meal throughout. We have a trained team of chefs who will prepare delicious dishes that will leave you licking your fingers. We accommodate special requests too.
Shop in the Christmas markets
While flea markets in Goa are popular, you can take your shopping spree to the Christmas markets in December. There are special Christmas markets in Mapusa, Panaji, Palolem, etc which bring a variety of tree ornaments, trinkets, handcrafted goodies and crafts. Pick up your souvenirs for a memory of spending Christmas in Goa.
Goa has a total vibe throughout the year, but more so, towards the year’s end. A lot of local and international tourists gather here and party together celebrating the festivities in full fun and spirit. If you’d like to experience this, start making your Christmas in Goa itinerary.
For a more exclusive experience with your loved ones, ensure you rent private villas to carry on with your parties, even if you don’t wish to step out. Our lush gardens, vast pool, outdoor bar setups and gazebo are perfect for soaking in the celebratory ambience. This Christmas and New Years’, Come Lohono with us!
